From the beginning, ARCHAEOLOGY sounded a cautionary note regarding the authenticity of the so-called James Ossuary. Now, five individuals have been indicted in Israel for forging biblical artifacts including the ossuary. Follow the unraveling of this alleged forgery ring as covered--blow-by-blow--in ARCHAEOLOGY.

Ossuary Tales
January/February 2003
On October 21, 2002, the discovery of an inscription on the side of a light brown, chalky limestone box was announced at a Washington press conference.

Gold Dust and James Bond
June 18, 2003
Israel Antiquities Authority declares the James Ossuary and Jehoash Inscription fake.